Outdoor Ministry

Where the Creator and creation pray, play, and wonder together

Summer Events

Join us for any or all of the one-day events we have planned in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota!

Senior Graduate Day
Wednesday, August 4, 9:00 am- 2:00 pm
Hidden Falls Park, St. Paul
Free
REGISTER HERE

All high school graduates from 2020 and 2021 are invited to Hidden Falls Park in St. Paul to reconnect with friends, play a few games, and share a meal.

MNIPL – Be the Spark!
Thursday, August 5, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
United Church of Christ, New Brighton
$20/person or $40/family
REGISTER HERE

Be the Spark is a dynamic and experiential leadership development workshop that builds community and gives participants organizing tools and strategic approaches for engaging their community of faith in climate change solutions. Be the Spark participants learn how to invite the gifts and skills of those in their community to take action that inspires a sustained and creative effort in building a more just and sustainable world.

Appropriate for ages 12 and up. Lunch and refreshments provided.

Organic Farm Tour
Saturday, August 7, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm
Auntie Annie’s Fields, Northfield
$20/person or $40/family
REGISTER HERE

Visit a local family organic farm in the Northfield area, owned and operated by the O’Sullivan family. Learn more about what it means to run a family farm—economically, spiritually, socially—and the practical pitfalls and joys. Elizabeth, a United Theological Seminary student, and her family will give a hands-on discussion about why they decided to farm. Be prepared to do a little “farming” while you are there.

This is open to all ages. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Rest and Renew at Green Island
Sunday, August 8, 1:00 pm- 6:00 pm
Green Island Preserve, Wadena
$20/person or $40/family
REGISTER HERE

Experience this unique opportunity to relax and meditate on the beautifully maintained paths of this old family farm that has transitioned into an oasis for contemplation and connection with Mother Earth. Stroll through the 30 acres of trees and sculptures. Meditate in the kuti, check out the amazing garden, and join the discussion with owner Kent Scheer as he talks about reimagining this old family farm into a place where conservation and spiritual practice intertwine.

First Congregational UCC of Wadena donated the materials used to create a campfire space, where the day will end with a light meal and s’mores. There is space for those who would like to bring a tent and camp overnight. Please contact Sheri Nelson if you would like more information: sherin@uccmn.org.

This is open to all ages.

Fall Outdoor Ministry Events

• Camp Amnicon
• $200/ person
• Age requirement 21+. This has a maximum of 14 participants so act quickly.
• REGISTER by September 10

Take a break from the chaos and stress of daily life, and unplug into adventure! Each day will bring a different kind of adventure while we hike and paddle on the South Shore of Lake Superior. Each evening you’ll enjoy gourmet foods and beverages around the fire. Read more

Men’s Retreat – Overwhelmed by Life: An Invitation to Reconnect and Remember
September 24–26 (start time 4:00 pm, end time 11 am)

• Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center, Sandstone
• $200 (actual cost of event), $150 subsidized price, $100 subsidized with added scholarship, or contact Rev. Sheri Nelson for more scholarship funding (there is an extra $25/ night for single rooms, limited to the first four requests)
• REGISTER by September 10
• Participation maximum is 15

Join other men from around the Minnesota Conference for a weekend to pause amid the chaos and overwhelm of life. The retreat will be co-facilitated by Rev. Kevin Brown, Associate Conference Minister for Faith Formation, and Hans Peterson. Read more

Women’s Retreat: October 15–17 (start time 4:00 pm, end time 11 am)

• Camp Onomia, Onamia
• $200 (actual cost of event), $150 subsidized price, $100 subsidized with added scholarship, or contact Rev. Sheri Nelson for more scholarship funding. There is an extra $25/night for a single room, limited to the first four requests.
• Participation maximum is 30, so REGISTER early.

Set amongst the trees and Lake Shakopee, this retreat will be a time of rest and renewal as Rev. Sheri Nelson and Rev. Claire Klein bring inspiring music and conversation around the wisdom of women and power of equity through the circle of gender.

• Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center, Sandstone
• $100/youth, $75/adult leader (Some scholarship money is available upon request. Contact Rev. Sheri Nelson for more information).
• REGISTER by September 24.
• Open to all youth grades 6-12 and adult leaders
• Creation Justice Series